Get Physics Help: Big Bang Explained

In summary, The Big Bang was not an explosion of matter into empty space, but rather the rapid expansion of all space itself. Theories about multiple big bangs outside of our universe are speculative.
  • #1
jfh_dragonfly
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This is going to sound like a really stupid question, and I hope the atmosphere here isn’t so rarified that it will bother anyone, but if it does, I apologize in advance.

I heard recently that the Big Bang didn’t happen all in one place. If that’s true, my universe-view has been skewed. Can anyone explain?

Thanks!
- Dragonfly
 
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  • #2
The big bang, as we know it, happened in one place, which was the entire universe at that time. There are theories which talk about other big bangs, outside our universe, but this is purely speculative.
 
  • #3
Yes another way of putting it is to say that the Big Bang happened at every place as every place was just one place in the original 'singularity'.

Garth
 
  • #4
Welcome to Physics Forums, jfh_dragonfly!
Questions from beginners or experts are welcome here!

You've hit on a key misconception of Big Bang theory. It was not an explosion of stuff into empty space. It was the rapid expansion of all space. See also my recent description here...
https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=52659
 

FAQ: Get Physics Help: Big Bang Explained

What is the Big Bang theory?

The Big Bang theory is the scientific explanation for the origins of the universe. It states that the universe began as a single point of incredibly high density and temperature, and has been expanding and cooling ever since.

How was the Big Bang discovered?

The Big Bang theory was first proposed by Belgian priest and physicist Georges Lemaitre in the 1920s. It gained widespread acceptance in the scientific community in the 1960s with the discovery of cosmic microwave background radiation, which is considered to be leftover radiation from the Big Bang.

What evidence supports the Big Bang theory?

There are several pieces of evidence that support the Big Bang theory, including the expanding universe, the abundance of light elements, the cosmic microwave background radiation, and the large-scale structure of the universe. These pieces of evidence align with the predictions made by the theory and have been confirmed through observations and experiments.

What is the role of physics in understanding the Big Bang?

Physics plays a crucial role in understanding the Big Bang. The theory is based on the laws of physics, particularly Einstein's theory of general relativity, which describes how gravity works on a large scale. Scientists also use physics to make predictions about the early universe and to study the fundamental forces and particles that govern the behavior of matter and energy.

Are there any competing theories to the Big Bang?

While the Big Bang theory is the most widely accepted explanation for the origins of the universe, there are some alternative theories that have been proposed. These include the steady-state theory, which suggests that the universe has always existed in a constant state, and the oscillating universe theory, which proposes that the universe goes through cycles of expansion and contraction. However, the evidence currently supports the Big Bang theory as the most accurate explanation for the origin of the universe.

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